The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment, setting aside the immediate hurdle created by a Calcutta High Court order.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order while hearing Banerjee's appeal against the High Court's decision refusing him permission to travel overseas.
"Every individual has a right to travel abroad. Every individual has a right to choose his medical treatment," the Supreme Court remarked during the hearing, Bar and Bench reported.
Banerjee allowed three-week foreign trip
The court permitted Banerjee to travel abroad for three weeks in September. He has been directed to travel using his diplomatic passport.
"The applicant is permitted to travel abroad for a period of three weeks in September: The applicant shall travel on his diplomatic passport. It is stated that he has no other passport other than the diplomatic passport," the court said.
The permission comes with conditions requiring Banerjee to provide details of his proposed trip to the authorities.
Details of treatment, stay to be shared
As part of the conditions, Banerjee has to furnish his complete itinerary, including the place where he will stay during his time abroad, per Bar and Bench report.
He must also provide details of the doctors and hospital where he plans to undergo treatment, the duration of his stay and flight details.
The Supreme Court said the information submitted by Banerjee could be used by the investigating agencies for their purposes. At the same time, it directed that the details remain confidential.
"The details furnished by the applicant shall be used by the agencies for their purposes and be confidential," the Bench added.
Appeal follows Calcutta HC order
Banerjee approached the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court refused to permit his foreign travel.
The High Court had dismissed his petition on August 5. He subsequently challenged that order before the apex court, seeking permission to travel overseas for his eye treatment.
The Supreme Court's order now allows the TMC MP to undertake the three-week trip in September, subject to the conditions laid down by the court.